West Indies update

The latest news from the West Indies Rugby League as it continues to try and take steps to establish a serious international calendar.

Windies secure the services of London Academy stars for MX9?s
West Indies chances in the Middlesex Nines qualifiers next month has been boosted by the inclusion of London Bronco?s Academy players, Irving Greenwood, Junior Graham and Joe Brown. The qualifier tournament, which will be the first event for the West Indies side will provide a clear guide for the sides? chances in its upcoming list of nines tournaments.

West Indies are also confirmed entrants in the York Nines and Rotterdam Nines (Holland), and will be hoping to be competitive in each of the tournaments.

Irving Greenwood, Junior Graham and Joe Brown are all products of the London Junior system and their talent and professional attitudes to playing will help give the team an edge in its matches.

Both Greenwood (utility) and Joe Brown (Winger) come from the Greenwich Admirals Rugby League Conference side, whilst prop, Junior Graham is from the South London Storm.

West Indies name team Physiotherapist
West Indies has named Angela Green as its official representative team physiotherapist. Angela Green, who currently is team physiotherapist for National League Two side, the Sheffield Eagles, joins an already very experienced coaching and performance panel which also includes Steve Pryce (Head Coach), Dean Thomas (High Performance Manager), Ewan Wilson (Team Doctor), Lee St Hillare (Assistant Coach) and David Plange (Director of Coaching).

Angela?s experience and commitment to her job makes her a very valuable asset to the West Indies side.

Combined Africa challenge being considered
Planning for the West Indies international season has continued with the prospect for the West Indians taking on a Combined Africa side in London currently being considered. Originally the West Indies, considered the prospect of taking on a Nigerian side, however as a result of the significant number of players who have put forward their services for the representative squad, including from as high as Super League level, it has been thought that in an effort to create a more competitive match the prospect of taking on a combined African side should be considered.

The match, which is still in the discussion process will most likely be held at the London Skolars home ground of New River Stadium, with the African side being made up of players primarily eligible for South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco.

Already a significant number of South African players are based around the North of London with the South African Wildogs side being set up, together with a large number of individuals with Nigerian backgrounds playing for Rugby League Conference sides in the South.

For more news visit the official West Indies Rugby League website at www.wirlf.com